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Jules Jay & Robin Longworth – perennial food farming in Nillumbik
Judy Vizzari visits the garden of Jules Jay & Robin Longworth, from Hurstbridge. Jules is an active member of both North East Rangers Permaculture Group (NERP) and the Edible Hub Hurstbridge community garden.
At last Covid-19 restrictions have eased and today, on a December morning, I'm making my first garden visit since lockdown. It is to Jules' and Robin's 18-acre property south east of Hurstbridge.
To get there, Google Maps advises me to travel north along the main Hurstbridge Road then to turn east through winding back-lanes to reach to the property … bad advice – I find myself consigned to dusty, barely labelled, unmade roads and my little car jumps nervously at every corner. I discover too late that there is an easier route! But this wayward trip is worthwhile all the same as the bushland is at its khaki best.
I reach the farm at last, which is set in a long, narrow valley. The driveway sweeps downwards before climbing up past a barn to a north-east facing 1970s house which is perched just below a rim of natural vegetation.
I'm greeted by a dog who is an effective doorbell – she barks dutifully at this stranger until Jules appears. I see a slender younger woman with a confident air and friendly smile. She welcomes me to their home.
Jules tells me that she and Robin have lived here for seven years. They are appreciative that the former owners built the house to make full use of natural resources – sun and rain. She tells me that she and Robin have utilised these resources – they've installed solar panels and repaired and extended water catchments.
We set off on a garden tour and I get a first-hand view of their water catchments when we walk up to a large dam high up at the back of the property. It's contained by a wall which stretches across the valley and is fed by rainfall and run off from the slopes above and around it. It services the property's two orchards and many livestock troughs through a series of underground pipes. I see that it is full.
Walking back to the house and garden, we pass four 32,000 litre water tanks, which are but one collection point in a series of tanks scattered across the property. Aside from the dam, Jules and Robin have storage for 270,000 litres, and Jules says they "rarely run out of water."
This land is inhabited by native fauna as well as introduced species including deer, rabbits, foxes and birds. Both native and introduced animals are eager to enjoy the local produce and, Jules says, theirs is an ongoing negotiation with wildlife about how to share the harvest. Netted orchards have helped to exclude the deer, who eat the fruit, damage the trees and make wallows of any moist ground. The rabbits, kangaroos, parrots and songbirds, though, continue to enjoy unnetted plants and produce, while crows, hawks and eagles make regular bids for unwary chickens and hatchlings. Jules says that they have agreed on a truce with the foxes after installing electric fences.
The view out from the house through a long row of windows overlooks a "pleasure garden" and it's here we go next. There's a colourful blend of both native and introduced plants – some ornamentals, herbs and fruit bearers occupy this space, as do interesting sculptures by Eltham artist Nicola Hoyle, which appear to be almost organic and blend well with the mixed plantings.
I'm surprised by a partially hidden oddity; an amazing Hollywood style swimming pool complete with huge palm trees and a waterfall! It's a project bequeathed by the previous owner. Jules has threatened to convert it into a natural pool and water garden … but there's opposition from both Robin and younger visitors.
Exploring the perennial food garden
A path runs through this area then slopes downwards past more sculptures and fruiting trees – we pass a persimmon, loquat, fig, feijoas, citrus, mulberry and quince.
Then we reach a more open area where perennial edible plants feature – hardy survivors; regal artichokes, asparagus and goji berries, gooseberries and raspberries, lemon balm, fennel, borage, Russian sage and rhubarb all tussle for space … but it seems the goji berries are winning the real estate race!
To our left is an orchard entirely housed in chicken wire and bird netting. The structure is huge and provides space for at least 30 fruit trees including citrus, stone fruits, figs, apples and pears, some espaliered, some dwarf and some upright. Below them, heavy grass provides food for a family of chickens.
Further down, we arrive at a picturesque barn. It's dressed in espaliered oranges and wisteria vine. "I had a vision for a charming arbour dripping with purple flowers," Jules says, "but the reality of wisteria is that it just goes crazy and climbs everywhere!" The vine is rampant and interfering with the solar panels on the barn's roof – it's soon to be trimmed.
Here, you can't miss the sound of clucking and honking which emanates from the poultry area at the barn's other end. There's a population of chickens, roosters, muscovy ducks and geese that share a lush paddock and, Jules says, in that grassy square there's a "constant soap opera" playing out as the pecking order is observed. The birds are housed safely in the barn at night and the whole area is protected by electrified fences. In the middle of this poultry space is a furrowed area which has recently been planted with capsicum, eggplants, corn and a crop of sauce tomatoes – late plantings, as this year's wet season so completely soaked the paddock that seasonal tasks were interrupted.
Over to the left, another fledgling orchard is visible. It includes a mix of stone fruits, apples, cherries and pears. When the plants are more mature, they too will be protected by mesh and netting. This site is open to the elements and will benefit from maximum sunlight, but initially suffer from extreme temperatures.
To our left, in a paddock bounded by the driveway, we glimpse two cows – 'brown cow' and 'white cow' – who are munching steadily on a rich pasture of natural grasses. They stop to observe us briefly before returning to their grassy spread. Somewhere, bees buzz – they're completing their rounds before returning to the hives maintained by Jules and Robin.
All these insects, birds, animals and people are working members of this community and contribute to its livelihood.
Back to the house
We return to the narrow culinary garden at the back of the house and a step from the kitchen door. It's bounded by a high cutting chopped into the line of the hill. The garden contains a diverse blend of plants which range from bananas, ginger and cardamom to raised beds supporting leafy greens, cucurbits, capsicums, eggplants and salad mixes. They are planted (and self-seed) together in true permaculture style. Some crop rotations and regular additions of compost, manure and mulch in this area ensure that the soil remains healthy and that the greatest benefit is derived from each season.
Jules says that she "doesn't spend too much time in the garden," but then, when you love gardening, how much is "not too much time"?
Jules is an active member of North East Rangers Permaculture Group (NERP), which is a group of local farmers and gardeners who employ permaculture methods and are keen to share their experiences with other gardeners. The group was first established in the early 1990s. Its members practice a wide range of individual methods bound by permaculture techniques and they aim to be self-sufficient and to utilise low impact, sustainable means of food production and life management.
She is also a co-ordinator of the Edible Hub Hurstbridge community garden, which is part of Nillumbik Council's Hurstbridge Hub facility in Graysharpes Road.
More about self-sufficiency
When I arrived, Jules invited me into her kitchen and I was surprised to see, laid out on the bench and in multiple shelves, dozens of eggs of varying sizes from huge (goose eggs) to medium (duck eggs) to small (chicken eggs). And so we talked about the eggs and their uses (she recommends chicken eggs for eating and duck eggs for cooking). She told me that the birds are the farm's main focus, then described the work involved in breeding and caring for them, including sessions of humane slaughtering and highly organised plucking and cleaning. Jules and Robin are 'nose to tail' eaters and utilise all parts of the bird – they're either cooked and consumed (meat and offal), or used to make soup and stock, whilst fats are rendered for lard and feathers are consigned to compost.
Here, the lives and deaths of all the animals are managed – the cows provide meat and manure, the poultry provide eggs and meat, an apiary is maintained for honey and the garden produces fruit and vegetables. Preserved foods: sausages, salami, sauces, jams, passatas, dried fruits and frozen or tinned vegetables. Seeds are saved and raised in the farm's greenhouse and crops are rotated for maximum disease-free production. Manure and kitchen scraps augment compost which is returned to the soil to benefit new crops, nothing's wasted, not even sun or rain.
Jules says that she "never goes to the supermarket," though she does occasionally buy what she can't produce – pulses and grains, milk and treats, from Nature's Harvest in Hurstbridge or the farmers' markets in Hurstbridge and Eltham. Her ethos is that, if they can't grow it themselves, they source it from the most local and sustainable alternative.
Even though such a large, cultivated space does represent a lot of hard work, and perhaps a little heartache, Jules and Robin must derive a tremendous sense of achievement and pleasure from their efforts.
For me, this walk through their garden has been fascinating. Theirs is a farm well worth visiting if you get the opportunity. They'll show you how they work towards utilising all their property whilst also contributing to a cleaner and safer world.
Angelo & Savoula Eliades
Carol & Alan Woolcock
Deb & Peter Thomson
Dianne & Chris Newman
Duang Tengtrirat
Paula & John McLeod
Ann's garden visits
Greta's garden visits
Helen's garden visits
Marina's garden visits


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What is a Linux Distro
scottalanmiller last edited by scottalanmiller
One of the most confusing aspects of Linux for those new to the concepts but with experience in other operating systems is the idea of distributions or, in Linux speak, distros. Common Linux distros include CentOS, OpenSuse, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, Arch Linux, Gentoo, Slackware, Debian and thousands more.
To understand the idea of a distro, first we must understand what Linux is.
What is Linux? Linux is a kernel, not an operating system. It is used in many operating systems and we refer to all operating systems that use Linux as "Linux operating systems" or "Linux-based operating systems" but there is no "Linux" that we can run on its own. We can only use Linux to build a full OS.
There is no reference implementation. This is important for people considering Linux. Unlike nearly any similar open source operating system family like FreeBSD, Linux remains purely a kernel and nothing else. There is no generic "Linux operating system" that you can use whereas FreeBSD is a reference implementation of itself. So while you can truly run FreeBSD, you cannot just run Linux.
A Full Operating System is an assembly of many parts. To be a full OS we certainly need a kernel but we also need a shell, core applications and such. An OS is a much bigger thing.
In the Linux world, operating systems that are built with a base of the Linux kernel share a lot of similarities partially due to the obvious fact that their most critical component is shared between them but also from commonalities stemming from conventions that are almost always followed (such as choosing the BASH shell as the default.) Because these different operating systems share so much with each other and represent a "collection of software distributed together" we refer to these as distributions.
So in Linux terminology, a distribution is a Linux-based operating system.
Downstreams. To make the whole matter more confusing, because of the open source nature of Linux, it is not just possible for one distro to be based on another, it is actually incredibly common. You can, of course, build a base distro (one based on no other distro) yourself if you want, but this requires a ton of work. There are many base distros out there already. If you want to make your own distro you could use one that already exists and base your work on their starting point to make things easier for yourself. Most distros today do this.
Here are some examples of the distro ecosystem.
Common Base Distros: Fedora, OpenSuse, Debian. Each of these makes their own distro without starting from anyone else's prior work. These are the three key "parent" or "base" distros. Each is a full distro in its own right, each is often used as the basis for others.
Ubuntu: Ubuntu is a popular distro and is built off of the work done by the Debian project. Debian provides the base and Ubuntu modifies and extends this to make their own operating system.
Linux Mint: Linux Mint is a distro based on Ubuntu (which in turn is already based on Debian.) The Linux Mint team takes Ubuntu and adds a lot of their own packages and tweaks, removes stuff that they don't feel works for them, modifies what they want to modify and then releases their own distro.
Distro Focus. One of the reasons that so many different distros exist in the first place is because each has a different focus than the others. Sometimes the difference in focus is dramatic, sometimes it is minor. CentOS, for example, is a distro designed to be used for servers. Linux Mint is designed for use as a desktop. OpenSuse and Ubuntu are "balanced" and designed around mixed use cases. Red Flag Linux is focused on Chinese language support. And so forth.
Part of a series on Linux Systems Administration by Scott Alan Miller
How do distros focus?
Lots of ways. Server distros, for example, will include lots of server packages like databases, programming languages, and such. They tend to be very lean and light. The focus of tools is on the CLI.
A desktop distro will typically have many desktop options, tons of end user applications, GUI tools, lots of graphical tweaks and such.
Server distros tend to have slow change cycles to allow for a focus on stability. Desktop distros tend to lean towards implementing the latest and greatest application updates as quickly as they can be tested and released. Stability takes a back seat to cutting edge tools.
Development distros will tend to have programming tools, broad language support, compilers and more.
thwr last edited by thwr
Good write-up.
About OpenSuSE: It's very popular, that's true, But it's not a base distro. OpenSuSE was derived from SuSE which was derived from Slackware, which in fact is on of the three large base distros.
There's a wonderful diagram over at Wikimedia:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Linux_Distribution_Timeline.svg
scottalanmiller last edited by @thwr
@thwr said in What is a Linux Distro:
Was... at some point. Now Suse and OpenSuse are merged. OpenSuse Tumbleweed is the rolling release. OpenSuse Leap / Suse are Tumbleweed frozen at certain moments in time. It's all one product now.
KOOLER Vendor last edited by @thwr
Good one but a bit outdated info IMHO.
scottalanmiller last edited by @KOOLER
@KOOLER said in What is a Linux Distro:
That's not a trivial diagram to maintain
thwr last edited by @scottalanmiller
@scottalanmiller said in What is a Linux Distro:
Oh hell, no. But I guess it's generated somehow, maybe with a mindmapping tool
Looks like mindmapping, that would make sense.
guyinpv last edited by
User of CentOS and Ubuntu servers myself. Mint is still top go-to for desktop, though there are interesting alternatives like ElementaryOS.
Linux is not always easy to learn, I just forget everything if it's not regularly used, especially CLI with their bazillion switches that no mere mortal can ever memorize. And moving between different distros where commands don't work exactly the same, Aptitude and Yum, etc.
Cool, but always challenging.
linux 1344 sam linux administration 78 system administration 44

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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We had gorgeous weather this past weekend, so naturally we spent a lot of time outside basking in the rays. The days were spent cuddling and enjoying one another's presence before Mr. Dad has to go back to work during the week.
We both (baby and I) cannot wait for next weekend.


What are some stereotypes of the different Australian states?
If Satan had Quora, what questions would he ask?
Am I also Angra Mainyu?
Am I also the Demiurge?
If God is Good is He also God? If God is God is He also Good?
Should pronouns referring to Satan be capitalised?
Why do I get to have all the good tunes?
Is The Devil Went Down To Georgia really a good tune?
If I'm meant to have all the good tunes, what explains the albums of Anton LaVey?
How can I revive Manichaeanism?
How can I distance my brand from Alisteir Crowley's?
Are the Rolling Stones still writing good songs?
How about those South Park guys?


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Niio announces $15M Series A following strategic partnership with Samsung Displays
Niio, a Tel Aviv-based digital art platform that offers access to digital art, from contemporary artists and galleries to NFTs, announced today it has closed $15 million Series A funding in the wake of a strategic partnership with Samsung Displays last week.
The round was co-led by L Catterton, which is a joint venture company between LVMH and Catterton, Entree Capital and Pico Venture Partners. Additional investors also joined, including Saga VC, as well as leading artists, art collectors, museums, gallerists and trustees at institutions such as MOMA and Guggenheim as well as Shalom McKenzie, who recently acquired a CryptoPunk NFT at Sotheby's. Prior to the Series A round, Niio had raised $8 million, initially from strategic angels, followed by a seed round from institutions in 2017.
Niio will use its capital to grow its artist community and scale its app-enabled subscription and purchase platform, which is blockchain–based and will include a trading-enabled marketplace for NFTs and other digital art assets.
The NFT market is just getting started, but where is it headed?
» GGV Capital gave this real estate startup founder a term sheet 48 hours after meeting
» VividQ, which has raised $15M, says it can turn normal screens into holographic displays
» Classiq raises $10.5M Series A round for its quantum software development platform
» AI construction startup Versatile raises a $20M Series A
» World's First-ever "Visioning Esports in Art" Exhibition officially opens
» Manufacturing app platform Tulip raises a $39.5M Series B


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10th March Statements Archive
Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Forty-Second Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day
Over fifty years ago Tibet was occupied by China. It is also over 40 years since 1959, when thousands of Tibetans began their life in exile. Three generations of Tibetans have lived through this darkest period of our history, undergoing tremendous hardship and suffering. Yet the Tibetan issue is still very much alive. Whether the Chinese government admits it or not the world is well aware of the grave problems inside Tibet, not only in the Tibetan Autonomous Region but also in other Tibetan areas. The Late Panchen Lama's 70,000-word petition submitted to the Beijing authorities in 1962 clearly show how terrible the situation inside Tibet was. Since then, although there have been improvements in some fields, basically the situation still remains serious. Besides being a constant source of international embarrassment to China, the Tibetan problem is also harmful and detrimental to the stability and unity of the People's Republic of China.
The Chinese government continues to whitewash the sad situation in Tibet through propaganda. If conditions inside Tibet are as the Chinese authorities portray it to be why do they not have the courage to allow visitors into Tibet without any restrictions? Instead of attempting to hide things as "state secrets" why do they not have the courage to show the truth to the outside world? And why are there so many security forces and prisons in Tibet? I have always said that if the majority of Tibetans in Tibet were truly satisfied with the state of affairs in Tibet I would have no reason, no justification and no desire to raise my voice against the situation in Tibet. Sadly, whenever Tibetans speak up, instead of listening to them they are arrested, imprisoned and labeled as counter-revolutionary. They have no opportunity and no freedom to speak out the truth.
If the Tibetans are truly happy the Chinese authorities should have no difficulty holding a plebiscite in Tibet. Already a number of Tibetan non-governmental organizations are advocating a referendum in Tibet. They argue that the best way to resolve this issue once and for all is to allow the Tibetans inside Tibet to choose their own destiny through a freely held referendum. They demand to let the Tibetan people speak out and decide for themselves. I have always maintained that ultimately the Tibetan people must be able to decide about the future of Tibet. I would in fact whole-heartedly support the result of such a referendum.
The Tibetan struggle is not about my personal position or wellbeing, but about the freedom, basic rights and the cultural preservation of six million Tibetans, as well as the protection of the Tibetan environment. As early as in 1969 I made it clear that it is up to the people of Tibet to decide whether the very institution of the Dalai Lama which is over three hundred years old should continue or not. More recently, in a formal policy announcement in 1992 regarding the future polity of Tibet I stated clearly that when we return to Tibet with a certain degree of freedom I would not hold any position in the Tibetan government. I have always believed that in the future Tibet should follow a secular and democratic system of governance. I am certain that no Tibetan, whether in exile or in Tibet, has any desire to restore past Tibet's social order.
I had always been aware that Tibet needed social changes and had embarked on reforms while in Tibet under very difficult political circumstances. After coming into exile I have been encouraging the Tibetans in exile to follow the democratic process. Today, the Tibetan refugees may be among the few communities in exile that have established all the three pillars of democracy – legislature, judiciary and executive. This year this process will be further strengthened with the changes in the election of the chairman of the Tibetan Cabinet, the Kashag. I will be transferring the day-to-day responsibility of running the Tibetan affairs in exile to the elected chairman of the Kashag and an elected parliament in exile. However, I do consider it my moral obligation to the six million Tibetans to continue taking up the Tibetan issue with the Chinese leadership and act as the free spokesman of the Tibetan people until a solution is reached. The tremendous trust placed on me by the Tibetan people increases my strong sense of responsibility.
The historical relationship between Tibet ( bod ) and China ( gya ) is, to say the least, much more complex and complicated than the simple official version Beijing upholds. Tibet had been existing as a distinct and separate entity for over two thousand years. There is no denying of this fact. History is history and no one can change the past but to accept the facts. I believe that it is best for historians and legal experts to decide on the historical status of Tibet. Irrespective of past history, I am looking towards the future.
Successive leaders of the People's Republic of China, from Mao Tsetung and Zhou Enlai to Deng Xiaoping and Hu Yaobang have repeatedly acknowledged the "unique nature" and "special case" of Tibet's status. The 17-Point Agreement of 1951 between the Tibetans and the Chinese, embodying the original spirit and concept of "one country and two systems", is the best proof of this recognition. No other province or part of the People's Republic of China has any such agreement with Beijing. The Chinese government promised to respect the "unique nature" of Tibet. Despite these assurances, sadly for the most part of its rule, China's oppressive Tibet policies have been misguided by a deep sense of insecurity, distrust, suspicion and arrogance and by a glaring lack of understanding, appreciation and respect for Tibet's distinct culture, history and identity. What is actually "unique" today about Tibet is that it is the poorest and most oppressed area where policies implemented by ultra-leftist elements are still active even though their influences have long been diminishing in China proper.
As a firm believer in non-violence and in the spirit of reconciliation and co-operation, I have from the beginning consistently sought to prevent bloodshed and to arrive at a peaceful solution. I also have admiration for China and her people with their long history and rich culture. I therefore believe that with courage, vision and wisdom it is possible to establish a relationship between Tibet and China which is of mutual benefit and based on respect and friendship. Consequently, my position regarding the Tibetan freedom struggle has been to seek genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people. In spite of increased accusations against me and the worsening situation in Tibet, I remain committed to the policy of my "Middle-Way Approach". I truly believe that a resolution of the Tibetan issue along the lines of my approach will bring satisfaction to the Tibetan people and greatly contribute to stability and unity in the People's Republic of China. Over the past more than 20 years our contacts with the Chinese government have taken many twists and turns, sometimes they have been more encouraging and at other times more disappointing.
Last July, my elder brother, Gyalo Thondup, once more made a personal visit to Beijing and brought back a message from the United Front Department reiterating the well-known position of the leadership in Beijing on relations with me. In September of the same year we communicated through the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi our wish to send a delegation to Beijing to deliver a detailed memorandum outlining my thinking on the issue of Tibet and to explain and discuss the points raised in the memorandum. I sincerely hoped that this development would lead to an opening for a realistic approach to the Tibetan issue. I reasoned with the Chinese leadership that through face-to-face meetings we would succeed in clarifying misunderstandings and overcoming distrust. I expressed the strong belief that once this is achieved then a mutually acceptable solution of the problem can be found without much difficulty. So far the Chinese government is refusing to accept my delegation in spite of the fact that between 1979 and 1985 the Chinese government had accepted 6 Tibetan delegations from exile. Yet, now they are stalling in accepting a Tibetan delegation. This is a clear indication of a hardening attitude of Beijing and a lack of political will to resolve the Tibetan problem.
The current hard-line policy of the leadership in Beijing will not deter us in our quest for freedom and peace through non-violence. Patience, courage and determination are essential for us Tibetans in a situation of such challenge and of fundamental importance. I firmly believe that there will be an opportunity in the future to seriously discuss the Tibetan issue and face the reality because there is no other choice either for China or for us.
When one looks at the situation inside Tibet it seems almost hopeless in the face of increasing repression, environmental destruction, and alarming developments undermining the identity and culture of Tibet as a result of the massive transfer of Chinese into Tibetan areas. However, the Tibetan issue is closely related with what is happening inside China. And China, no matter how powerful she may be, is still a part of the world. The global trend today is towards more accessibility, openness, freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. China is in fact already in the process of changing. In the long run there is no way that China can escape from truth, justice and freedom. It is most encouraging that there are a growing number of informed Chinese, including intellectuals and farsighted thinkers, who are not only showing concern but also expressing their solidarity to the Tibetan cause.
Because the situation inside Tibet still remains serious, as I stated before, and also because the Chinese authorities are refusing to discuss the Tibetan issue, there is growing criticism of my policy of "Middle-Way Approach". I have always welcomed the right to have different political views. There are those who hold firmly to the goal of independence of Tibet. There is also criticism that my position is causing division and confusion among our people. I can understand the increasing criticism because China refuses to constructively respond to my "Middle-Way Approach". Moreover, the overwhelming majority of the Tibetan people have no doubts in their hearts and minds that independence is their historical and legitimate right. While I firmly reject the use of violence as a means in our freedom struggle, I respect the right of every Tibetan to discuss and explore all political options.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the numerous individuals, governments, members of parliaments, non-governmental organizations and various religious orders for their support. I would also like to express my gratitude to the many unbiased Chinese who are supporting our just cause. Above all I would like to express on behalf of the Tibetans our gratitude to the people and the Government of India for their unsurpassed generosity and support during these past four decades.
In conclusion I pay homage to the brave men and women of Tibet who have and who continue to sacrifice their lives for the cause of our freedom and pray for an early end to the sufferings of our people. I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to our brave Chinese brothers and sisters who have also made tremendous sacrifices for freedom and democracy in China.
Importance of Education
Speech of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the European Parliament, Strasbourg
Fourth International TSG (Tibet Support Group) Conference, Prague
Strasbourg Proposal 1988
Five Point Peace Plan
An Appeal to the Chinese People
An Appeal
Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to all Tibetans
An Appeal To All Chinese Spiritual Brothers And Sisters
His Holiness's Middle Way Approach For Resolving the Issue of Tibet


Well, not forever. Just a little… spirited off.
Until the pixies decided what to do.
M-my friend! He stepped there, and there was a flash!
You saw the event? Incredible! Can you describe the flash?
I didn't … I don't … I guess it was… circular?
"Circular?" That's the best descriptive term you can conjur?
I assumed it would be circular because it takes place inside a circle!
Do you remember any colors? Any sounds?
Come on, kid, I'm asking for science!
This is a completely normal conversation!


Nothing says Spring like Mr. Robin Red Breast! He and Mrs. Red Breast were also enjoying a few moments in the sun!
I am happy to see that spring is arriving in Dallas area. You have had your unfair share of cold!!
I have been waking up to the singing of the birds!!! Much better then an alarm clock. We have a hawk that lives nearby. Those other birds really fuss at him!!!
daffodils! daffodils scream spring to me. Love them!
My poor tulips and daffodils thought it was spring the last few weeks and had started to poke their heads out. I hope they fair okay with the snow we received a few days ago. I do love Robins.


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Reviews and Comment
USA orders:
Suite 200 Richmond
UK orders:
Initiatives of Change
24 Greencoat Place
SW1P 1RD
Home Books & Publications No Enemy to Conquer Reviews
Religious Studies Review (2011): Geoffrey W. Sutton writes 'The lessons learned by those who forged opinions in the fires of hate and turned their stories into bridges to freedom are powerful narratives, which may serve as catalysts for forgiveness and reconciliation ..they offer qualitative evidence that a mixture of courage and humility can infuse dialogic encounters with hope that persons of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds can forgive and reconcile rather than perpetuate violence.' To read the full text of review click here.
Interreligious Insight :Elizabeth J Harris of Liverpool Hope University writes in the December 2011 issue (published by the World Congress of Faiths) that one of the aims of the book is to 'foster knowledge of those who are different from us'. His book 'draws on Henderson's lifetime of experience working with people in situations of conflict, through his commitment to the organisation now called Initiatives of Change. Offered as an antidote to the view that faith is impossible in a world of suffering, it is predicated on the conviction that apology and forgiveness "have more than persona ramifications". She concludes that 'Henderson's style in this richly personal book is fluent, accessible and immensely readable. It does not hide from the suffering of the world but movingly claims that healing is possible.' To read full text of review click here
Publishers Weekly: "...a blissful read and a persuasive argument for forgiveness as a practical tool for global survival....Henderson shows the real muscle behind forgiveness, avoiding preciousness and sentimentality. He writes, 'Forgiveness has an image problem'—with this latest effort, perhaps no more." To read full text of review click here.
The Irish News: Under the headline 'Letting go of resentment can free us from past pain', Anne Hailes writes "Michael's book is compelling. Every page is worth reading and the beauty about it is this author doesn't preach, he puts forward modern experiences of people in Nigeria, Israela and Palestine, Germany, Rwanda, the United States, Northern Ireland and many more.... Certainly this book will make you stop to consider your approach to life and living and offer some guidance." To read the full text of review click here.
The Catholic Times, UK: Joanna Bogle writes in her four-column review: 'This is a gripping book to read, as it is full of separate adventure stories. What they all have in common is that someone who suffered a great injury at the hands of another is able to forgive, and in doing so creates a whole new range of possibilities. Here, then, are tales of Arab-Israeli understanding, of healing and reconciliation in war-torn parts of Africa, in Northern Ireland, and on the India-Pakistan border…. I was touched and impressed by stories of Israeli-Arab conversations, and had not realized the risks taken there—these are noble tales and worth recounting.' She concludes: 'There is a mystery about evil, as anyone who has experienced it will know. But that doesn't mean people shouldn't try to do what is right, and the attempt to behave decently is itself ennobling. A book worth reading.'
The Washington Times: Julia Duin writes "These are gut-wrenching things I cannot imagine forgiving... So, should I delete the message in my outbox? I'm not able to. Not yet." To read the article click here.
New City, the magazine of the Focolare Movement: Frank Johnson writes "No Enemy to Conquer is a remarkable book because it doesn't moralise but simply lets the power of personal and group experiences of real situations go to work on the reader. It should be on the shelf of every politician and every individual who consider themselves committed to the cause of peace and harmony. It deserves as wide a readership as possible." To read the article click here.
TIKKUN, one of the leading Jewish magazines in the United States has a review by Roger S. Gottlieb (writing about No Enemy to Conquer and another book, Beyond Revenge: the evolution of the forgiveness instinct by Michael McCullough): "And in fact many of the narratives in Henderson's serious, thoughtful, and at times compelling book confirm McCullough's positions, but they also include some important elements that McCullough ignores...Despite these authors' serious attempts to make forgiveness comprehensible, the human heart remains a mystery to us all. Yet at least these books tell us that the changes are possible for us as human beings and have many times, against all expectation, actually occurred. That alone makes both of them very much worth reading." To read the article click here.
Andrew Rigby reviews No Enemy to Conquer in Peace Review: A Journal of Social Justice, an influential quarterly publication in the field of peace and conflict studies, edited by Dr Robert Elias of the University of San Francisco: "The examples are empowering, particularly for those of us who have direct experience of the power of forgiveness as a process in transforming relationships. Such processes constitute one of the key means of nonviolent conflict transformation at the interpersonal level ... I know from my own experience and from the responses of my students when Michael Henderson came to present a seminar to the class: people are moved and inspired by stories. And Michael Henderson is a wonderful storyteller." Read PDF of review here.
The Huffington Post: Marina Cantacuzino, the founder of The Forgiveness Project, reviews Michael Henderson's book on this authoritative liberal website. Under the headline 'The easy path to Islamic extremism', she writes, "One of Henderson's aims in writing No Enemy to Conquer is to bridge this dangeous gulf and find an 'appreciation of our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith.' One way he does this is to recount stories where fear of former, or perceived, extremists has blended into understanding through simply listening to the other's story - a process which re-humanizes the enemy." To read the article click here.
The Invitation: In the UK Islamic Community Magazine, Imam Dr Musharraf Hussain, a joint Chairman of the Christian-Muslim Forum of Britain writes "'This book represents a tour de force between victims and offenders and soul-stirring tales of human goodness. One of the greatest insights that emerges from 'No Enemy to Conquer' then is that forgiveness means that we become capable of living with the past without being held its captive." Read more here.
EMEL, 'the Muslim Lifestyle Magazine': Forgiveness often seems impossible in today's contentious world. This book presents stories of real men and women of different faiths and cultures reaching out to reconcile with others, previously deemed their 'enemies'. Moving on in life from the position of victim through the healing process of forgiveness is epitomised in the example of the IRA's chief explosives officer, Patrick Magee who planned the attack at England's Grand Hotel in Brighton, being reconciled with the daughter of Sir Anthony Berry who was murdered in the blast. Henderson makes a strong case for the moral and ethical aptitude of forgiveness in public life and answers the concerns of those who have a difficult time with this essentially spiritual practice, which is held in such high esteem by all the world's religions. Henderson has divided the book into segments on: Clash or Alliance?, Reaching out to 'The Other', Moving Beyond Victimhood, Taking Responsibility, Creating Safe Space, and Acknowledging the Past. Each section contains commentaries by world leaders, activists and peacemakers such as Desmond Tutu, the late Benazir Bhutto, Betty Bigombe, Rajmohan Gandhi, Joseph Montville, David Smock, Margaret Smith, Donna Hicks and Mohammed Abu-Nimer. A major emphasis in the book is to chart the great strides forward in the strained relationships between Christians and Muslims. No Enemy To Conquer is ideal for those who wish to grasp how human nature can be so forgiving in an unforgiving world. It gives you a strong dose of hope that is much needed in an increasingly cynical world.
Chicago Crescent, the monthly publication of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, and one of the most influential Muslim publications in America, in its July 2010 edition:'No enemy to conquer offers a passionate, well-researched defense of the virtue of forgiveness and its place in healing hate and conflict while establishing peace and justice at a grassroots leveal all over the world.'
Justice and Peace Scotland, the magazine of the Catholic Social Movement: The October issue has a whole page review of No Enemy To Conquer by Alec Porter. The reviewer writes, 'This book, recently published is very timely for us in Scotland in the midst of the controversy surrounding the release of Mr. Al-Megrahi. In deeply moving stories of people in deadlocked situations all over the world, Henderson illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness - both for those who forgive and those who seek foprgiveness to find a way out of conflict. He describes various stories in the book and writes, 'Undoubtedly the power common to all those peace-building relationships is the Spirit of God at work in gthe hearts of people.' Porter concludes his review, 'One quote that stood out for me and in a way sums up the main issue being addressed by the book is from Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, "The biggest weapon of mass destruction is the hate in our souls." Overcoming this is the challenge that we must all rise to.'
Tikkun Daily, a leading Jewish magazine: David Belden writes ""I asked my old friend Michael Henderson to send me a true story from his latest book, No Enemy To Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World. I had no idea he would have one so central to Tikkun's mission." To read full text click here.
Spirituality and Practice: "An impressive, inspiring and edifying book on the spiritual practice of forgiveness in the public arena... We highly recommend No Enemy To Conquer and hope that it is widely read, discussed, and its lessons applied in communities around the world." To read full text of review click here.
Women Word Spirit, 'the voice of catholic women's network', has a summer issue devoted to forgiveness. A long review of No Enemy To Conquer describes fully the contents of the book. Catherine Rowland starts her review: 'In this moving book, Michael Henderson tells the stories of people from all parts of the world who have experienced the transformative power of forgiveness, both in forgiving others and in being forgiven themselves. These are stories about people who, having been through traumatic experiences, explore the meaning of forgiveness in their lives. For some of them it means seeking justice but never revenge, for others it means reaching out to people who were once their enemies. The process of seeking forgiveness or of receiving forgiveness, changes each of them dramatically. Many of them begin to work for peace in desperate and often hopeless situtaions, sometimes, personal or cultural, sometimes international.' Catherine ends her review:: 'We can all think of groups, societies etc who we would wish could take these principles to heart. How about the Churches, the Police, the Councils, the Government, for a start? But we also have to remember that we must start with ourselves. A truly remarkable book.'
Eastern Eye, a leading British Asian newspaper, carries an article on its editorial page by the author. It is headed "Peace among men" and introduced with the words "The difficult ability to forgive is being lost in a world where violence is predominant, but it is needed now more than ever before, argues the author of a new book, No Enemy to Conquer." To read the article click here.
Christian Science Sentinel (March 30, 2009): "Once again Henderson takes readers across the globe to share remarkable accounts of forgiveness that has led individuals, families, and national leaders to places of hope and healing. Unambiguously and without sentimentality, he makes the point that where vengeance finds resistance, forgiveness blossoms." To read full text of review click here.
The Examiner in Independence, Missouri: with the heading "Concern for others is what matters" its opening paragraph says "It is true that the world is infested with several hot spots where anger, killings, violence and hatred are a part of daily life. It is equally true that many nations, including our own, have a tendency to solve violence with more violence, even though recent experience has shown us it is not very successful. Anger, violence and hatred seem to breed more violence and hatred; leading many to believe there is no way out of this vicious cycle. To those I would strongly recommend "No Enemy to Conquer; Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World," by Michael Henderson." To read the article click here.
The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) 'Chaplains' e-Zine': "However, for me, it was the degree of hope Michael gave to the reader that clinched this book as 'a must'. No Enemy to Conquer reveals that we have an inner enemy, prejudice, and opens up to for us the grace of forgiveness, which can lead us to a genuine inner and outer peace. Senator George Mitchell said: 'For a durable peace and a genuine reconciliation there needs to be a decommissioning of mindsets' this book achieves this. Many who read Michael's book will find themselves on a life-changing journey, as he reveals his hope for mankind." To read the full text of review click here.
The Tennessean: with the heading "Book shows that forgiveness can topple defeatism" the review says "What's hopeful about such stories is they bear witness to the unexpected. Forgiveness overthrows the day's defeatism." To read the full text of review click here.
The Good Book Stall: "When the world seems no nearer to peace, a copy of this book should be given to all world leaders!" To read the full text of the review click here.
Church of Ireland Gazette: Stephen R White writes on 22nd May "A well worthwhile reflection on a topic of universally vital importance." Download review (PDF page 12) here.
Belfast Telegraph: In the religion column, published 5 September 2009: Another host of useful insights into forgiveness are contained in Michael Henderson's timely book No Enemy To Conquer. This wide-ranging publication focuses on forgiveness in a global context, but there is refreshingly hard-headed assessment of Northern Ireland. Henderson points out that the "profound changes " here have not been achieved principally through forgiveness or repentance, but rather through a combination of some hard-liners softening their views, economic packages and development, and also persistence by the American, British and Irish Governments. He also warns that the political advances need to be underpinned by those who can build relationships and trust, in order to help heal the deep bitterness that remains.
The Huntsville Times, Arkansas: "No Enemy To Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World," by Michael Henderson, looks at examples around the world of how violence was ended by individual acts of forgiveness and reconciliation. Henderson counters forgiveness' "image problem" of being seen as something weak by offering story after story of people extending courageous and revolutionary forgiveness to an enemy. As he quotes Rajmohan Gandhi, "The stuff of forgiveness is sterner than suspected." To read online click here.
In Print: "Their stories show the best that people are capable of under the worst circumstances: victims of extraordinary loss extend themselves to the perpetrators; courageous men and women reach out across religious, cultural and political boundaries to talk with the other; and people acknowledge responsibility for wrongs done by themselves or their communities, allowing victims to heal, move beyond the desire for revenge, and stop the cycle of violence." To read the full text of the review click here.
Blog by Hilary Wilce, British journalist and writer, specialising in education and learning on 26 March: "Retribution is in the air. Everyone wants a go at Fred the Shred. But a new book asks us instead to consider the power of forgiveness. I can't decide if this makes it brilliantly timely, or badly out-of-step with the times, but whatever it is, it is important." Read full blog here.
ReviewScout.com, W. Simantel writes: Accolade (Rating 5 of 5)
"This book should be required reading, not only for the general populace, but also for our so called 'leaders', both in government and in all faiths. Perhaps it would remind, especially church leaders, "to practice what they preach". I was afraid the book would be a heavy read, but on the contrary, it was easy and easily understood, - it is rare for me to find such a book 'unputdownable'. The message is simple yet contains a mountain of wisdom that we would all do well to absorb. If you have not read this book...read it. If you have already read the book...read it again. Thank you Michael for delivering this important message." Read full review here.
Bill Tammeus, 'Kansas City 'Faith Matters' blogger, wrote on May 9: "To follow the previous two books, this one celebrates the power to forgive and to create new possibilities after terrible breaches. Drawing inspirational -- at times almost unbelievable -- stories from all over the world, the author describes what it took to offer forgiveness and what difference it made. In the end, this is a book of hope in a world in desperate need of exactly that." Read review here.
The Christian Century, Frank Ramirez writes: "It is often assumed that forgiveness is impossible in the face of extraordinary evil. In No Enemy to Conquer, Michael Henderson, a freelance journalist who lives in England and has written many books on peace, faith and forgiveness, blows away that assumption by cataloging example after example of people who have chosen to live richly despite suffering terrible wrongs." www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso
Comment on No Enemy To Conquer
Jesus Christ teaches us all about the power of forgiveness. Michael Henderson's book highlights that power in action.
Dr. John Sentamu,The Archbishop of York UK
Forgiveness has for a long time been regarded as a purely religious construct but Michael Henderson puts this long-neglected subject into a more political context. He takes the concept from its personal and religious realms and shows its relevance to political life. This is an innovative and a pioneering book that invites us all personally and collectively to develop the most fundamental of moral virtues, forgiveness.
This is a masterful work of a brilliant mind that deserves its place on any bookshelf. Its lucid, open-minded and poignant stories reveal how human beings on the one hand can be capable of the most unspeakable atrocities and the most devilish of acts against their fellow beings but yet also at the same time are able to demonstrate in abundance the divine characteristics of mercy, love, compassion and selfless sacrifice.
These compelling true stories from some of the most courageous yet seemingly ordinary people illustrate the powerful nature of the virtue of forgiveness. This short book is a genuine masterpiece that weaves the diverse threads of theology, morality and politics in a seamless way.
In short, No Enemy to Conquer offers constructive and positive rays of hope to a world that lives under the perpetual and ominous shadow of the dreadful phrase 'the clash of civilisations'.
"Everyone should read your books for they contain fabulous stories of apology and forgiveness that reveal a completely different expression of human nature that is perpetually overshadowed in our violence driven media cultures. But your accounts are all equally true and expressive of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity of even the worst societies to change." Comment on his blog by Rabbi Marc Gopin, Director of the Center on World Religion, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.
This book is a sanguine and much-needed way forward and it is a must not only for the students and scholars of politics and religious ethics but also for general readers.
Imam Musharraf Hussain, Chair, Christian Muslim Forum UK
This is a timely and necessary book from the pens of distinguished public figures and writers. Showing clearly that there is no military solution to the many problems we face, it is a humane and thoughtful guidebook to the troubled times we live in.
Martin Bell OBE, UNICEF ambassador and former war correspondent and member of Parliament UK
Never has a darkening world more needed tactics of reconciliation and of its handmaiden, forgiveness. This fine and welcome book does the ultimate: it tells is HOW it can be done and has been done in history. A big Thank You to Michael Henderson again!
Georgie Anne Geyer, Syndicated columnist USA
These beautifully written and sensitively told stories of forgiveness and peace should provide inspiration and hope for many readers.
Trudy Govier, author of Forgiveness and Revenge, and Taking Wrongs Seriously Canada
Need a strong dose of hope for the future of the human race? Read this book. In numerous true stories, it offers antidotes to despair over our human proclivity for killing and degrading one another. The name of this good medicine is forgiveness, and the health that it portends is reconciliation between peoples torn apart by great crimes. These stories are balm for hurt minds, especially the minds of us who struggle over the mystery of evil in human affairs. Better, after reading this book, to stand in awe at the mystery of the good.
Donald W. Shriver, President Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary, New York USA
Violence and other forms of sin shrink our lives and our imaginations; forgiveness enables them to expand. In this engaging and stimulating book, Michael Henderson tells stories of extraordinary people from around the world whose commitment to forgiveness stirs our imaginations and offers hope for new life in the future - for all of us wise enough to heed their examples.
Greg Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity SchoolUSA
A book that never evades the terrible reality of suffering and injustice, and yet whose answers burn with honesty. Here is the climb upward to healing, brave, difficult but possible. Read it and be filled with admiration and hope.
Anne Perry, Crime novelist, author of 'Buckingham Palace Gardens' and 56 other books UK
I cannot stress enough the importance of this subject, because without forgiveness there is no future for mankind or for anyone of us. Forgiveness is a power available to anyone who truly desires it, both victim and perpetrator. It is the only hope also for nations that have lived in perpetual violence towards each other. Forgiveness is a power that we can decide for, and it can be bestowed on anyone.
Johann Christoph Arnold, Author of Seventy Times Seven: the Power of Forgiveness USA
Michael Henderson has written an extraordinary, inspirational book based on more than 25 narratives of people, groups, and nations who have taken the initiative to reconcile – to heal - destructive conflicts that seemed to have no end. The efforts of these healers are clearly acts of courage given the risks to their reputations and even to their lives. Scholars and lay readers will use these narratives to identify and study the various aspects of the interactions of each party that lead to the relinquishing of revenge and experiencing each other in a new light. They will observe how emotional healing results from many factors including the restoration of dignity, the mutual respect of life stories, apologies and forgiveness. Many of the narratives are so moving that they brought tears to my eyes.
The number of nations and groups (representing all continents) involved in these destructive conflicts illustrates the prevalence of harmful, vengeful behaviors on our earth. The courage and commitment of an increasing number of people and groups who are willing to risk so much to resolve these conflicts and preserve our existence is testimony to the success of Michael Henderson and his colleagues who study and write about those who exercise the power to heal. This book is a major contribution toward understanding and implementing these healing processes. This work is an essential counterforce to the destructive tendencies of people and societies.
Aaron Lazare, Haidak Distinguished Professsor of Medical Education and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School whose books include On Apology USA
These are extraordinary stories that you will never forget. In No Enemy to Conquer Michael Henderson takes us across the globe and shares with us the remarkable journeys that have led individuals and families to a place of hope and healing. His writing is honest, unambiguous and without sentimentality. The authors invited to share their reflections on the stories in this book give us an absolutely brilliant analysis of the profoundly human moments retold by Henderson. With compassion and clarity, Henderson invites us to witness the compelling power of forgiveness and to listen to the voices of people who dared to follow the wisdom of the heart. He leaves us with this message: forgiveness and reconciliation are vital for the repair of brokenness in the aftermath of trauma. The book is a careful and serious attempt to shift the emphasis from revenge to forgiveness and reconciliation. Readers will take away a deep appreciation of this fact: justice begins when the freedom to avenge a wrong is questioned. And here, Henderson shows us, where vengeance is arrested, forgiveness will blossom.
Pumla Gobodo Madikizela, Associate professor of psychology, University of Cape Town, author of A Human Being Died That Night: a South African Story of Forgiveness South Africa


bzimmer.ziclix.com / TWL, alders, timber!
The latest edition in the TWL work party series removed a number of alders growing on the Crawford property which, in full leaf, significantly shade the grapes on Day Road Farm — on the last farm walk I noticed while elsewhere on the farm the full sun had melted the morning frost this section of the farm still remained white late in the day.
I had never participated in the felling of trees so tall so I watched and learned, fortunately most of the volunteers have years of experience. I think the combination of tree-felling and bring-your-own-chainsaw greatly increased the usual attendance — we had enough volunteers for two separate teams of ropers, pullers and fellers.
First, the ladders go up and the ropes go on. The ropes will be used to position the tree as it's falling. Prior to the felling, Bart checks the positioning of the tree and the ropes.
The tree is then notched to guide the fall. With this particular tree we needed to avoid bringing down the holly or hitting the deer fence along the property line thus requiring it to be pulled a sizable distance opposite its natural fall line.
Then the back cut is made and the pulling begins. Tug-a-war with a tree — altogether now!
THUD! Well, we hit the holly (truth be told, I was shooting and not pulling so "we" is really "they") but 'twas just a brushing, no damage done. Nice work guys!
Later in the afternoon I got to operate the next yard toy I want to buy: the BearCat chipper/shredder. I've been eyeing this machine for quite some time but had never operated one before, only the much larger commercial chippers — I'm in love!


brotherbear works as a Nurse.
I applied to a nursing agency and they wanted me to take the tests below. Yet, they did not provide me with resources to study for them.
Are you all aware if their are any websites or resources I can use to study for the tests below so I can at least get a general idea of what to answer?


Challenge: to create an iPad app which the Corporate Sales Manager and her team would use to support them in their role. We identified one of the main challenges as helping Corporate visitors to envisage the centre as a venue to hold events such as dinners. When they visit in the daytime it tends to be full of school children running around, so it takes away from the potential of the venue.
Solution: we worked with NSC to create a unique app, which reflects the way they walk corporate clients around the venue. The starting point was the venue floor plan, which became our main navigation system throughout. We also included a Media Gallery, which takes advantage of the iPad's screen and shows off the different areas dressed up for events.
Result: the team now have a very useful and effective tool which they use all the time. They even take it off site when visiting prospective clients.


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The Tribulations of Being a Young Alien Fan in the Analogue Age
By Glenn Miller 3rd September 2016
In 1979 I was 12, six years away from seeing Ridley Scott's Alien, which had an X certificate and meant nobody under the age of 18 could get in. Now I could just about get away with getting into an AA film (sort of like the current 15 rating, but you could normally get in if you were accompanied by an adult), but there was not a chance of escaping the Stasi-like stare of a cinema usher, and getting into Alien was a pipe dream.
However, one of the joys of seeing AA films was getting to see trailers for X rated films, so when I went to see the Ralph Bakshi animated Lord of the Rings, I was confronted with this.
Instantly, I was hooked but there was no way of me being able to see the film. But what I could do was nag my parents and brothers to get me everything related to it. See in today's digital age if I were 12 again, I'd be able to actually see the film if I had a computer and access to an internet connection. In 1979 there was no internet, no websites, no torrents, and the idea of affordable home computers was a dream to anybody who wasn't Clive Sinclair.
So first thing I got was Alan Dead Foster's novelisation, the easiest way to live a film without having to see it.
That wasn't enough., so I eventually managed to get a copy of The Book of Alien, which is still an amazing book to this day. This, for me, is the template for every Making Of book you'll see.
Then I had Archie Goodwin and Walt Simonson's stunning Alien:The Illustrated Story – the comic adaptation of the film.
I also managed to grab the photonovel (photonovels were fumetti, and hugely popular in the 1960's and 1970's) of Alien; a chunky, huge beast of a book.
I even managed to somehow get an Alien model kit which I lovingly built – until years later when it suffered a fatal breakage that would make even Olympic athletes cringe. Not to mention the tongue broke and left me feeling gutted.
One of my brothers managed to pick up a film programme from when it had a showing during the Edinburgh Film Festival. Programmes are something you never see these days, but this piece of marketing stuck with films until the 1980s at least.
There were also the Alien poster magazines.
I even grabbed in the Barras in Glasgow a copy of Warren's Alien special.
Then there were various issues of Starlog, Starburst, Fantastic Films, and any of those great film magazines that used to be around.
In effect I knew every single bit of minutiae of Alien, but I was stil unable to see it. Then in 1981 at a science fiction convention in Glasgow, I saw a Super 8 edited and abridged version of the film.
There's even a copy (in badly dubbed French) on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7_cGTmlo5A
These Super 8 abridged versions were the only way most of us could own any version of a film we loved before the days of cheap affordable video tapes. They were fairly cheap, though as you'd imagine, cutting say a two hour film down to around 20 minutes meant all you were essentially left with was a one or two reel set of highlights.
Pre-video, you could get a dazzling amount of tie-in merchandise, but owning a copy of the film was amazingly hard, if not impossible outwith of the Super 8 versions so you hoped would turn up on TV – or in my case, my balls would drop hard enough for puberty to kick in so I could blag my way into a cinema years before I was legally able to. Thankfully I finally saw the complete Alien, albeit on a small screen in 1982 when ITV broadcast it during the World Cup that year.
This still wasn't seeing it in a cinema with an audience on a big screen and decent sound. I had to wait another couple of years for that when Alien finally turned up at the GFT. So finally, around six years and a set of bollocks dropping later, I finally saw Alien on a big screen as it was meant to be seen. The last time I saw it on a big screen was in 2003 when on a visit to Stockholm for their film festival. The directors cut was playing at a cinema in the old part of the city. It still works oh so well on the big screen, but this was a film I had to work hard to actually see; rather than flip open my laptop, go to some website of dubious legality, and then download whatever took my fancy.
Looking around at the amazing array of merchandise for films today based around characters (apart from DVD's, Blu-ray or downloads), there are no photonovels or anything as ingenious as that. Even the comic adaptation is starting to fall by the wayside because you don't have to wait months, or in my case with Alien, years to actually see it – not when seeing a film (even one you can't see because of its certificate) is so easily accessible. You kids today, you've got it easy!
merchandise.
Movie Review: Arrival (2016)
Xcom 2 Now Has PC Controller Support
Comic Review: Hero Hotel
Double Vision Double Feature: Stay Tuned & Terrorvision
Launch Week Sales Down Dramatically For Watch Dogs 2
21st November 2016


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CBS All-Access
Tag: CBS All-Access
Twilight Zone Reboot In The Works From Jordan Peele's Banner At CBS All Access
The idea of a Twilight Zone reboot may not be appealing to most audiences, who tend to grow weary of reboots, and the fact that it'll be with the service CBS All Access may alienate them
Star Trek: Discovery Renewed For Second Season
Star Trek fans rejoice! Or lament, depending on whether or not you actually wanted CBS All Access to succeed as a streaming service. According to the official Star Trek: Discovery Twitter account, the series has
David Kozlowski
Star Trek: Discovery's Main Title Sequence Proves Polarizing
Star Trek: Discovery aired its debut episode on CBS last night, followed by episode 2 on their All-Access streaming service. According to Variety, the show drew an audience of 9.6 million viewers (1.9 rating with
Star Trek: Discovery Has A Spock Connection
Star Wars, Star Trek, Blade Runner, Alien, and The Terminator are all legendary sci-fi franchises in the midst of remakes/reboots/reimaginings (TV and film) sharing a common problem: they can't let go of the past, and
CBS Is Blocking Early Reviews Of Star Trek: Discovery
Launching a new streaming service is all the rage in 2017, and it goes without saying that some will succeed and some will fail (I guess I just said it, sigh). While it's great for


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Speech, Debate Teams Showcase Talents
Jennifer Tinoco
Members of the Speech and Debate Team demonstrated their energetic speeches and entertainment skills that have racked up numerous national awards in Kreider Hall on May 24.
Language Arts instructor Ira Heffler explained that, "this presentation is a way of showcasing our talented club members. They have won numerous awards and I think this is great exposure for the club and for students who are interested in joining."
Club president Robert Cannon and club members David Hale and Tiffany Brain performed Interpretation of Literature, which is similar to acting. But unlike in stage acting, the performers do not wear make up, or costumes nor are props involved. The performance is all about their body language, facial expressions and vocals.
According to the head coach of the team, Josh Fleming, there are 11 different styles of speaking, "[although] we only saw some of the most entertaining styles of speaking, which included poetry interpretation, prose and dramatic duo."
Only 10 minutes is allowed for each student to perform.
Hale, who placed first in poetry interpretation last fall, performed a sketch about America and fear.
"Armageddon is hot right now," yelled Hale as he stepped onto the stage, addressing topics such as aliens, the sky falling, terrorists and the government. Hale really jumped into action by getting close to the first rows of the audience.
Brain performed a prose interpretation in which the character was struck by love with a boy who, was involved with her older sister.
With a comedy twist and a dramatic ending, Brain illustrated her actions as she spoke by pretending to write in her journal and knocking on her sister's door.
"I had a lot of fun doing this since many here at GCC do not get to see our team perform," said Brain.
Cannon, who has received numerous awards in the past, including first place in a duo competition with student Tracy Reed, also performed a poetry interpretation.
One of Cannon's scenarios was that of very angry and powerful elementary school superintendent. His character explained, "I am not mean, I just want the kids to write definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, over and over again so that they will never spell those words wrong ever again."
Hale and Cannon also performed in a dramatic duo together.
"The special thing about a dramatic duo is the similarities it has with that of traditional plays and films. But the way we present it is a bit different," said Fleming.
Throughout their performance, Hale and Cannon faced the audience. With a black folder in their hands, they did not look at each other during the entire performance.
It is really all about the way the speakers move that makes the audience imagine where the story is all taking place. "Listening to the speakers enhances my imagination to picture what is going on with the particular scene. It was really entertaining," said Liberal Arts Major, Sarah Mestico, 19.
"They always do a great job and I'm very proud of them," said Heffler about the team members performances.
"I definitely enjoy doing this for the campus," said Cannon. "It is a way of showing students and faculty what we do since none of our competitions are held on campus," he said.
"I think that being on such a team is a very unique experience. They do get to perform formal and more serious speeches in addition to the very entertaining ones," said Fleming.
"All of the elements that the students put into this team are very cultivating for their future goals and careers. And it looks great on a resume," Fleming added.
Team meetings are held in AD 205 every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.
For more information on the Speech and Debate Team, Fleming may be contacted at (818) 240-1000 ext. 3179. Heffler may be reached at (818) 240-1000, ext. 3113. Jean Perry, who is the chair of the Language Arts Department, may also be reached at (818) 240-1000 ext. 5504.
Richard Kontas, Production Assistant
Production Manager; Former Editor-in-Chief and Action Sports Photographer.
Adjusting to Remote Instruction
President-elect Joe Biden's Environmental Policy
International Students During a Pandemic
Cinemas Struggling to Survive During Pandemic
Music Faculty Holds Remote Recital
Conflict in Artsakh
Final Presidential Debate
GCC's Food Pantry Re-Opens for Contactless Pickup


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Q: How to separate ads View from Game View? Currently I have a game in libgdx that show ads on top of the game layout.
However, as you can notice, it hides part of the top of the screen, where the score is shown.

Question:
How can I make the ads show ABOVE the game view/screen, so it doesnt overlap/hides anything from the game? I want the screens to be as shown in the next picture.

Current code:
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.view.View;
import android.view.ViewGroup;
import android.widget.RelativeLayout;

import com.badlogic.gdx.backends.android.AndroidApplication;
import com.badlogic.gdx.backends.android.AndroidApplicationConfiguration;

import de.golfgl.gdxgamesvcs.GpgsClient;
import com.google.android.gms.ads.AdRequest;
import com.google.android.gms.ads.AdSize;
import com.google.android.gms.ads.AdView;

public class AndroidLauncher extends AndroidApplication {

    private RelativeLayout layout;
    private RelativeLayout.LayoutParams params;
    private AdView bannerAd;

    @Override
    protected void onCreate (Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        AndroidApplicationConfiguration config = new AndroidApplicationConfiguration();
        //

        GpgsClient gpgsClient = new GpgsClient();
        gpgsClient.initialize(this, false);

        SpaceEscape game = new SpaceEscape(gpgsClient);
        //
        //initialize(game, config);

        View gameView = initializeForView(game,config);

        ////////// Define the layout
        layout = new RelativeLayout(this);
        layout.addView(gameView, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT,ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT);

        params = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(
                ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT,
                ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT);

        params.addRule(RelativeLayout.ALIGN_PARENT_TOP);
        params.addRule(RelativeLayout.CENTER_IN_PARENT);

        bannerAd = new AdView(this);
        bannerAd.setAdUnitId("REDACTED");
        bannerAd.setAdSize(AdSize.BANNER);

        layout.addView(bannerAd, params);
        setContentView(layout);

        AdRequest ad = new AdRequest.Builder().build();
        bannerAd.loadAd(ad);

    }
}

A: To avoid this overlapping effect using a RelativeLayout you can create an Ad Container (eg: a RelativeLayout Container) to be on the top of the screen by using the RelativeLayout.ALIGN_PARENT_TOP rule and add the GameView below of the Ad Container using the RelativeLayout.BELOW rule. Finally add your AdView as a child of the above Ad Container.
Below is an example of how you can do the above structure:
//define the layout
layout = new RelativeLayout(this);

//adView Container RelativeLayout
RelativeLayout adContainerRL = new RelativeLayout(this);
adContainerRL.setBackgroundColor(Color.BLACK);
adContainerRL.setId(ViewCompat.generateViewId());
RelativeLayout.LayoutParams adContainerParams = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT);
adContainerParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.ALIGN_PARENT_TOP);
layout.addView(adContainerRL, adContainerParams);

//adView
AdView bannerAd = new AdView(this);
bannerAd.setAdUnitId("ca-app-pub-3940256099942544/6300978111"); //this is a test ad unit id
bannerAd.setAdSize(AdSize.BANNER);
RelativeLayout.LayoutParams adViewParams = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT);
adViewParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.ALIGN_PARENT_TOP);
adViewParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.CENTER_IN_PARENT);
adContainerRL.addView(bannerAd, adViewParams);

//gameView
View gameView = initializeForView(game, config);
RelativeLayout.LayoutParams gameViewParams = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT);
gameViewParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.BELOW, adContainerRL.getId());
layout.addView(gameView, gameViewParams);

//set the layout
setContentView(layout);

//load ad
AdRequest ad = new AdRequest.Builder().build();
bannerAd.loadAd(ad);

A: Yeah this works out well,
layout = new RelativeLayout(this);

//adView Container RelativeLayout
RelativeLayout adContainerRL = new RelativeLayout(this);
adContainerRL.setBackgroundColor(Color.BLACK);
adContainerRL.setId(ViewCompat.generateViewId());
RelativeLayout.LayoutParams adContainerParams = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT);
adContainerParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.ALIGN_PARENT_TOP);
layout.addView(adContainerRL, adContainerParams);

//adView
AdView bannerAd = new AdView(this);
bannerAd.setAdUnitId("ca-app-pub-3940256099942544/6300978111"); //this is a test ad unit id
bannerAd.setAdSize(AdSize.BANNER);
RelativeLayout.LayoutParams adViewParams = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.WRAP_CONTENT);
adViewParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.ALIGN_PARENT_TOP);
adViewParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.CENTER_IN_PARENT);
adContainerRL.addView(bannerAd, adViewParams);

//gameView
View gameView = initializeForView(game, config);
RelativeLayout.LayoutParams gameViewParams = new RelativeLayout.LayoutParams(ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT, ViewGroup.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT);
gameViewParams.addRule(RelativeLayout.BELOW, adContainerRL.getId());
layout.addView(gameView, gameViewParams);

//set the layout
setContentView(layout);

//load ad
AdRequest ad = new AdRequest.Builder().build();
bannerAd.loadAd(ad);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Andrea Castaneda
Andrea was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and her beginnings as an artist were from a very young age. She always had colored pencils and drawing paper by her side. She made her very first mural at the age of 13 for the Royal Kids of America San Pedro Sula School and her first job as an illustrator in Calderon Publicidad company. However, there were some bumps along the road, when she started high school she became the subject of bullying, but she used this nega-tive energy to help grow her talent. When her classmates bothered her, she took refuge in her drawings. She built her world of colors and that helped her to cope with the difficult time she was going through. Andrea did not have an easy adolescence, her parents divorced and then suddenly her mother received a job opportunity in Mexico, so the whole family moved there. At the age of 15 she remembers her father Piedesign as her mentor from a distance. However, com-ing to Mexico proved to be a great challenge, the bullying increased but even so bullying con-tinue she never stopped painting. Andrea sold her first painting at the age of 15, then she fol-lowed her passion for comics and did some professional ones with her sister. known as MK Joe who is a professional illustrator. Andrea then continued her art career studying at Savannah College of Art & Design where she studied illustration for a year. She continued studying graph-ic design when she returned to Mexico and at the same time worked as an illustrator for several foreign companies, illustrating children's e-books and participating in comic creation contests with her sister. Aefterr Mexico, Andrea traveled back to Honduras in order to sort out her doc-uments to go and study in Italy. She wanted to be a painter there and experience something new in a new country. The process became complicated as Honduras had political problems and so she stayed longer and travel to Roatan island, a short boat ride away from the Honduran coast. Living on this island is something that she will always remember as her beginnings as a muralist. One day she decided to put her easel on the street in the West End of the Island and started painting in front of many people so they would know who she was. Then, a small restau-rant called 'Off the Hook' hired her to paint murals, signs, artistic paintings on wood, tables and countless things. They gave her the opportunity to transform their restaurant into an art gallery. After the word spread, a lot of places began hiring her, different restaurants, bars, Dive shops and more to paint them beautiful murals to brighten up their place. As her amount of work grew the people from the island recognized her as an artist and her works were listed, the population of the island recognized me as "Andrea the Artist". She also worked with a famous artist from Honduras next to a rock band. She painted several times live while they played music. It was one of the best experiences of her life combining music and art. Since then, she has continued her art career as a muralist in Mexico and now, in the United States. Being in the US has allowed her to present her art in galleries in Washington DC, murals, local competitions and she has learned the art of body painting. She has been studying painting techniques on her own and improving her artistic portfolio. Thanks to her dedication and work, she has been able to exhibit her paint-ings to different galleries. This has given her the opportunity to also present her pieces in dif-ferent countries such as; Argentina, Spain, USA and Honduras. . Now she is sponsored as an artist by Eco Workers, a Mexican company and she launched two stores where she will sell some specific items and prints. She is building an Honduran online art gallery with the famous artist, MC Gallery that will be featuring Honduran artists. League of Reston Artist, AHAP Honduran artist Organization and Sacred art productions.
About Her Art
Andrea likes to paint the deepest emotions of being, she is dedicated to contemplating the soul of those who have lost faith. She oen uses colors and gold leaf on paintings which shine and vibrate with intensity, to illustrate that those who have lost faith still shine, and that energy from the Universe protects those souls that are merciful. She is especially inspired by senior citi-zens because of their wisdom, compassion and love. Through their experiences in life, they have managed to establish better priorities. They are people from whom you can ask for advice. They are very patient, tolerant and merciful. Andrea characterizes herself as being a sensitive person and like any artist her feelings are on the surface. She reaches out to many others in this world through her thoughtful and beautiful paintings of birds and animals in their natural habitat. She hopes these paintings will encourage others to appreciate and protect all living beings.
https://www.andreacastanedacastro.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AndreaCastanedaArtist/
https://www.instagram.com/andreacastanedacastro/?hl=es
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWYYzydLr0toIGiA1Yb05jg?view_as=subscriber


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French comic artist Patrick Prugne was born in Clermont-Ferrand and began his career working in the advertising field. In 1990, he won the Alph'Art Avenir in Angoulême with his comics parody of the fairytale 'The Tortoise and the Hare'. Encouraged, he then presented his work to several publishers in France.
Vents d'Ouest was the first to accept his work, and hired him to draw the funny animal series 'Nelson et Trafalgar' by Jacky Goupil. Prugne and Goupil made five books between 1991 and 1993. Under the penname Tybo, Prugne has subsequently drawn several humor books for Vents d'Ouest, including the first nine installments in the collection 'Guides en BD' by Jacky Goupil between 1993 and 1999.
In 1999 he started the heroic fantasy series 'Fol', of which he wrote and drew two books for Vents d'Ouest. He stayed in the fantasy genre for 'L'Auberge au Bout du Monde', a trilogy he made with Tiburce Oger for Casterman between 2004 and 2007. He also made the one-shot 'Canoë Bay' with Oger for publisher Daniel Maghen in 2009. Prugne has since then written and drawn the western one-shots 'Frenchman' (2011) and 'Pawnee' (2013) for Maghen, followed by 'Poulbots' for Éditions Margot in 2014.


The Mentone Open Water Marathon in Victoria on Saturday, 14 March 2020 is a 5km & 10km ocean swim.
Located in the sheltered Beaurmaris Bay, under the watchful eye of Mentone Life Saving Club, this is a fantastic event for experienced open water swimmers wanting to test themselves with a marathon distance.
The course is made up of a 2.5km circuit. All individual swimmers must swim through a feeding station channel on each 2.5km leg. The location allows for support crew to wade into a designated sand bank area to provide food and drink to participant. No support kayaks, skis or water craft will be required or allowed.
This event is based at the Mentone Lifesaving Club.


Kosmosinsel Chronicles Forum • View topic - [song parody] Why FPA?
Post subject: [song parody] Why FPA?
Imagine that the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance have their recruitment offices next to each other in a small dusty town on a neutral planet.
And then, imagine 6 Imperial admirals trying to convince young guys to enlist in their office.
It's fun to join a side but why FPA?
And just enlist but why in FPA?
I'm sure they can't help you today.
EDIT2: new changes done, I'm quite satisfied with it now.
Post subject: Re: [song parody] Why FPA?
But as to "Why FPA?" I'm sure their recruiters would have some convincing arguments of their own.


Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Thu, 2014-11-06 20:00.
To run an efficient business, it's best to take the guesswork out of day-to-day operations. The easiest way to do that?
Systems can help you cut down costs, streamline tasks, and effectively train team members.
Does your business have these essential systems in place?
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Thu, 2014-11-06 19:53.
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Thu, 2014-10-16 12:19.
There's no such thing as a free lunch. It's one of the saddest facts in my life, right up there with my insane student debt and the realization that Taylor Swift will probably never talk to me.
But there's good news! I just saved a bunch of money by switching to… no, I'm kidding.
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Sun, 2014-09-07 18:09.
Procrastination is the deliberate act of delaying, unnecessarily, what needs to be done. Some delays are necessary: waiting on permission, waiting on information, waiting on collaboration. But many delays are optional We choose to delay because we are avoiding something else. If you are holding back on work that you are able of begin, you are procrastinating. And when you or others in your business procrastinate, the costs to your business start adding up.
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Sun, 2014-09-07 18:02.
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Sun, 2014-09-07 17:52.
Your team works well together, solves problems, and comes up with innovative, unique ideas. Except when they don't. If your team is in a creative slump, here are five ways you can end it.
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Sun, 2014-09-07 17:32.
Intranet is no longer something that only big companies have. Intranet, especially social intranet, is now used ubiquitously by small business and civic organizations, thanks to the fact that many intranets have migrated to cloud and no longer rely on intranet administrators and developers (that usually come with $100,000/yr price tag) in order to be launched and managed.
Submitted by Dmitri Davydov on Sun, 2014-09-07 16:33.


Jim Bob McElroy is Project Manager and Landscape Architect at W&A Engineering. McElroy obtained his Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from The University of Georgia in 2000 and joined the W&A team in 2010 with 10 years of experience at previous firms. As part of the Landscape Architecture department at W&A Engineering, he brings knowledge of site planning, land planning, planting design, community design, site development, utility and infrastructure design, zoning, site analysis and research, streetscape design, soil erosion and sedimentation control, and project management. McElroy is a licensed Professional Landscape Architect, has his GSWCC Level 2 Certification, and is certified as an Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.


text:
Valkyries tackle female football in first midget spring league season
Apr 6, 2019 9:30 AM by: Jeff Hansen
1 / 1 HELPING HAND – Assistant coach Geoff Richer demonstrates how to position the hands to receive a snap from centre to Charley Tourond of the St. Albert Valkyries at Wednesday's practice at Oakmont park. The Valkyries are one of four Capital District Minor Football Association teams competing in the inaugural six-on-six midget female spring league. CHRIS COLBOURNE/St. Albert Gazette
Laying the groundwork for future female football players in St. Albert is the game plan for the Valkyries.
It's a daunting yet inspiring task for the team of 12 trailblazers in the inaugural season of the midget female spring league's full contact six-on-six format in the Capital District Minor Football Association.
"It's really cool. It's kind of like being a pioneer for other girls in future generations," said 15-year-old Lily Smith at Wednesday's practice at Oakmont park. "We definitely want to do as well as we can and set a really good example for next year and the next people on the team and just kind of bridge the gap between boys and girls and show that we can do it as well as they can."
The historic debut for the Valkyries was Friday's exhibition against the West Edmonton Raiders at Clarke Stadium and the score was unavailable at press time.
"Everyone is really nervous, but once we touch the football we're not going to notice how nervous we are," said Julia Baniak, 16. "Once we hit the field we're not going to know what hit us. We're going to be so overwhelmed and we're also going to feel the adrenalin hit us."
Head coach Rob Patrick agreed.
"I keep telling them, 'You've never done this before. You wait for that adrenalin rush, it's something like you've never seen,'" said the St. Albert Minor Football Association president.
The four-team league is designed for females in Grade 9, 10 and 11.
"We've got a good group of girls who are excited to play football who also have different levels of exposure to football. Some of them didn't really know anything about it but they're here to try it. Some girls play all sorts of sports and girls that have never played sports so it's a good mix," Patrick said. "It's interesting. It's fun."
Smith was pumped to huddle up on the gridiron with other females.
"I was told that I can't play football because I'm not a boy and now we have a league of our own, which is really nice," said the Grade 10 Bellerose Composite High School student. "I've always been into contact sports (wrestling and kick boxing) and I've always wanted to join football but I never did and then when I found out there was an all-girls team, I was like, oh yeah, I'm definitely joining.
"It's really cool to have a team of girls like this. We can all connect with each other and become really good friends. It's a really fun time."
Baniak believes the Valkyries are trendsetters for the next wave of females in the sport.
"You don't see a lot of female athletes anywhere so seeing the first female football six-on-six team in St. Albert is actually exciting. I've only ever seen one or two on a male team and that pressure you feel with the guys is ridiculous, but we can meet their standards especially if we push ourselves," said Baniak, a Grade 10 St. Albert Catholic High School student who hails from a family passionate about football.
"My brothers (Justin and Kristoff) have been playing since they were little and my dad (Jonathon) is a huge football fanatic. I actually hated football for years because I felt like the pressure but then I was like I want to try it. I play rugby so I'm like it's just pads, it's not much different, and then I realized it really is kind of different.
"But it's actually a lot of fun and the girls are meshing together really nicely," Baniak added. "I've been on many sports teams and this one I actually feel the girls connecting and talking. We're so easygoing and we like to help each other out. We're easy to coach, too. You can ask a question and you get an answer."
As for the team's goals, "It's to learn how to play football and learn the basics because not a lot of us know how to play. It's about learning how to tackle, learning how to actually run with the ball properly and learning the plays and just everything in general," said Baniak, noting "Everyone is playing defence and offence. Everyone is everywhere."
Practices are "really hard core," according to Smith.
"We do a lot of stuff at once and it's really cool finding out what our strengths are and what our weaknesses are, and how we can help each other and how to become a better team and what positions work better for each person."
The five-game schedule for the Valkyries, Raiders, Wetaskiwin Warriors and Leduc Wildcats ends May 11.
"There is only four teams in the league right now but if we have a great year and word gets around and girls tell other girls that hopefully it will expand and we can get bigger and bigger," said Patrick, a big backer of the female midget league concept. "It's something that's long overdue. It's been a long time coming."
The number of players on the Valkyries doubled prior to the league opener.
"We were around six, seven for a little while and we were getting a little worried, but we went to the high schools and the junior high schools and we told them and we slowly recruited a few and one friend told another friend and word continues to travel," said Patrick, who hopes to bring more females on board through the SAMFA information booth at the St. Albert Lifestyle Expo and Sale this weekend at Servus Credit Union Place.
In league play, the field is divided for two games with 30 minutes of running time per half.
"It will run very similar to how the CFL overtime runs. We start at the 45 (yard line) and then it's a football game all the way down the field. If you score, you score and if you don't, you turn the ball over and they start on the 45. There are no kickoffs, no punts and no extra points," Patrick said. "It's pretty close to a condensed rule book but it's six-on-six so there is a lot of field and defensively it's going to be really fast. There is going to be a lot of scoring.
"It's a really interesting brand of football. It's also a good introductory style of football. We play it for our young kids, our atom level kids which we also have a lot of girls playing, and it's a good style to be able to expose every player to multiple positions so when you get into 12-on-12 traditional football here is your quarterback, here is your running back and so with these girls with six-on-six you can just say OK, today you're going to try and play quarterback. With a smaller group you get more focused kind of training and attention and development so they all get to learn a little bit of everything and find their niche as they move forward."
Ultimately, the wins or losses are secondary to exposing the sport to more females.
"Our goals are twofold. Our goal is to learn and develop and have fun and the other goal that all minor sports should be about, and minor football is no exception, is to make sure they come back the next year. You want to provide such a great environment and have such fun that they tell a friend and come back," Patrick said.
The next game for the Valkyries is 9:15 p.m. Friday against Leduc at Clarke Stadium.
The first home game is April 26 at 8:15 p.m. against Wetaskiwin at Larry Olexiuk Field.
Get your daily St. Albert news briefing
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Broncos charity tournament sees strong community turnout
About the Author: Jeff Hansen
Jeff Hansen joined the St. Albert Gazette in 1991. He writes about sports, athletes and teams from St. Albert and area.


Support field level technical assessments in coordination with the FSL response lead and other SC thematic areas and/or other external sector agencies, ensuring assessment findings are documented and that all assessments include a specific analysis of children's needs.
With support from the FFP PM and/or other senior programme staff, develop project plans and budgets, contributing towards an overall project implementation.
With support from the lead FFP PM and/or other senior programme staff, support with inputs in development of high quality concept notes and proposals.
With the support of FFP PM, support project implementation to ensure timely delivery of project activities (for example, monitoring against log frames, individual performance management work plans).
Working closely with the FFP PM and/or other senior programme staff, support timely programme and donor reports on project activities in compliance with internal SC requirements and any relevant external donor requirements.
With support from the FFP PM and/or other senior programme staff, identify programme supplies needs and coordinate with the logistics team to put in place a sensible phased procurement plan.
With support from the Monitoring & Evaluation team support the M & E plan implementation within the FSL projects, ensuring this links to reporting requirements, and capacity build technical field staff in carrying out the work.
Identify learning and training opportunities for partner staff and communicate this to the Field manager or FFP PM.
Experience in gender mainstreaming within FSL programming.